Basement Leak Repairs - Will you be duped?

Posted by Luc Gerber on Wed, Nov 16, 2011 @ 09:11 AM

How do you ensure that a waterproofing contractor is proposing the correct solution to keep water from entering your basement? Let's apply logic to this dilemma; the source of your basement leak ultimately dictates the required solution. With thousands of basement leak inspections behind us we have learned that basement leaks can originate anywhere; from beneath your basement floor to leaks in your roof, and even plumbing leaks. When a waterproofing contractor (in most cases slick and pushy salesmen) visits, how do you know that their proposed solution will actually solve your problem, or that they are even sure of what the problem is? As far as we are concerned, you should demand that a waterproofing contractor prove or replicate the source of the leak before they propose a solution. A free estimate is worthless if the source of water in your basement is not positively identified.

Basement leaks originating from foundation walls are usually easily confirmed by conducting a simple water test (running your garden hose against the exterior basement wall, thus introducing significant hydrostatic pressure); if this test doesn't produce a basement leak then the leak must originate from the building envelope. Leaks in building envelopes are common and not remedied by basement waterproofing. These types of leaks typically involve simple caulking replacement or tuck pointing of mortar joints.

The diagnosis of building envelope leaks requires the use of a moisture meter and occasionally a thermal imaging camera; without these tools, one cannot positively identify the source of a leak. This equipment is essential when you have a finished basement. Why would you agree to expensive excavation and waterproofing when the leak source has not been positively identified? This is why we don't send salesmen to your house; instead, we send technicians who know what to look for and where.

To avoid being victimized deal with professionals. Call us and we will find the real problem. A nominal inspection fee is worth it, especially if it saves you $1000's of dollars.